The Werks wsg/ 800 lb Gorilla – Friday, December 2nd

800 lb. Gorilla is a college rock/jam band based in Bloomington, Indiana. With a rock and roll core, the band pulls together funk and jazz influences to create driving, catchy, danceable grooves. A five-piece band, 800lbG places rock-solid guitar, funky keyboards and sax on top of a drums-and-bass rhythm section. The interplay between musicians takes place on an improvisational plane that harkens Herbie Hancock, The Grateful Dead and Steely Dan.

Originally formed by brothers Mark (guitar) and Daniel (lead vox) Humphrey when they were in middle school, the band has evolved from a hard-rock power trio to a funk and jazz juggernaut. Since that time they have added Kwame Newton (keyboards/alto sax), Brian Carson (drums), and Joe Schweitzer (electric bass). As a group, you would be hard-pressed to find five more competent musicians.

800 lb. Gorilla has enjoyed a warm welcome from music lovers as they have developed their show on stages across Indiana and Ohio. Their fanbase is strongest among their college peers in Bloomington, and the jam band community throughout Central Indiana. They are fortunate to have been invited to play festivals this year including Hyperion, Good People Good Times, JorgStock (Eiteljorg Museum), and Taste of Bloomington.
The band intends to take the musical interplay higher, and continue to reach music lovers far and wide.

The Werks have emerged & established themselves as a band who delivers an electrifying dance party to beloved fans across the musical spectrum. Fusing psychedelic shredding, wailing organ, and slap bass with synthesizers and modern dance beats, their live shows encompass a sensational blend of rock with deep electronic funk.

The seasoned jam-centric quartet brings together a sonically superior mix of otherworldly explorations and revelatory lyrics. Fresh off the 7th incarnation of their “Werk Out Music & Arts Festival”, which draws 5000+ people to Ohio every August, they’ll hit the road once again for a number of headline dates as well as shows supporting peers like Umphrey’s McGee & Moe.

On their new LP Magic, The Werks transcend their roots while never losing their identity. Poignant songwriting and engaging melody come together on a record that showcases their maturation as a multidimensional group of uniquely creative musicians.

“Filled with both cryptic electricity and hypnotic bliss. The Werks have taken their songwriting to the next level, incorporating a kaleidoscope of rock genres, while retaining a perfect dose of soul.” -Glide Magazine